Study reveals how stem cells of freshwater flatworms could unlock human regeneration

Planarian flatworms reveal clues for potential human tissue repair and regeneration. (Image: Canva)

Scientists are amazed by freshwater flatworms’ ability to regenerate entire bodies from tiny fragments. Research led by biologist Frederick Mann Jr. has revealed that the fate of planarian stem cells is guided by signals from intestinal cells, even without direct contact.

Research on Planarian Flatworm

The planarian flatworm, Schmidtea mediterranea has been studied by scientists. The worm is well known due to the remarkable regeneration powers. Planarians, in contrast to humans have adult pluripotent stem cells in their bodies. When a flatworm is injured, its reserve of stem cells rapidly multiply and can even travel to where they're needed.

Regeneration of Cells

Regeneration does not occur to particular areas of bodies only. Planarian stem cells are independent of the conventional “niches" that cripple human stem cells because it enables the cells to regenerate damaged tissues wherever it is needed.

This discovery indicates that stem cells can be influenced by distant cues. This also broadens the understanding of stem cell behaviour and hint towards new possibilities for regenerative medicine.

What does study reveal? 

Recent studies have revealed that the intestinal cells in the planarian have a very important role to play in the regenerative process. This process is done through production of the stem cells and their positioning in the planarian. Decades of research had been performed on the regenerative process of planarians.

Next Steps in Research

Through imitating the stem cell flexibility of the planarian, scientists are hoping to devise ways of circumventing human stem cell obstacles. This small worm has a potential to offer solutions to one of the biggest challenges.

Unlocking human potential in regeneration is considered as one of the biggest problems in biology. Its modest framework might give rise to a future in which the broken body and tissues can be easily fixed with more effectiveness than ever before.